WESTONS Cider of Much Marcle is celebrating winning a Red Ribbon Award, which is a blue ribbon accolade for family-run businesses throughout the UK.

The celebrated cider business, which can trace its history back to 1880, has won the ‘New Frontiers’ category, in recognition for its success in finding new markets and launching new projects.

Westons Cider’s draught and bottled ciders and perries are not only available throughout the UK, but are exported to more than 40 countries worldwide.

Red Ribbon Awards spokesperson, Anita Brightley-Hodges of the Family Business Place organisation, said: "“This year has been another record-breaking year for Red Ribbon Award entries. We have been overwhelmed by the quality and variety of the nominations which just goes to prove there are some real hidden gems out there who deserve to be recognised.

It’s no secret that family-run businesses are the backbone of the UK economy. In times of uncertainty they are the last ones to make redundancies, keep a long-term view for the business and stay true to their founding values of integrity, trust and loyalty.”

Now in their fifth year, the Red Ribbon Awards are one of the most prestigious of accolades for family businesses around the UK .

Helen Thomas, Managing Director of Westons Cider received the prestigious ‘New Frontiers’ category Award at Goldsmiths’ Hall, London on June 20.

She said: “It is great to know that everything that we are doing to develop our business and our people has been recognised with this award and all colleagues should feel proud of this achievement.”